Dark Web Hack Alert: 31 GB of Alleged DRDO and Army Data Put Up for Sale at Rs 6.6 Lakh
A major cybersecurity concern has surfaced regarding a potential data breach involving India's critical defense infrastructure. According to a recent cyber security report, a hacker has made a disturbing offer on the dark web to auction 31 GB of highly sensitive data allegedly belonging to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army for roughly Rs 6.6 lakh. This major security disclosure was brought to light by Thiruvananthapuram-based cyber intelligence firm Alibi Global, sparking urgent administrative reviews and investigative actions by top-tier national security agencies.
Highlights of the Alleged Dark Web Leak
Security tracking reports indicate that the massive 31 GB data package has been actively advertised on hidden dark web forums for the past two weeks. To substantiate the illicit offer, the cyber attackers released sample documents containing restricted technical information that purportedly bears the signatures and official approvals of senior defense scientists. The emergence of these files has triggered immediate alarm bells across defense and intelligence circles, prompting an exhaustive probe into how classified paperwork could find its way into underground cyber markets.
Investigation and Response by DRDO Sources
Following the widespread circulation of these claims, primary sources within the DRDO confirmed that the organization is actively verifying the authenticity of the report. Officials noted that defensive cybersecurity frameworks take every potential threat seriously, and a comprehensive forensic validation process is currently underway to determine whether the leaked files are genuine or a sophisticated hoax orchestrated by malicious actors.
How the Breach Was Uncovered by Alibi Global
The potential security loophole was initially detected by Alibi Global, a specialized enterprise providing dark web monitoring services to government institutions and major corporate entities. During routine surveillance of underground cyber forums, analysts spotted the listing. V.K. Bhadran, technical director at Alibi Global, stated that following standard operational protocol, the company immediately reported the incident to the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Consequently, specialized national security and cyber cells have stepped in to evaluate the sensitivity and factual accuracy of the data in question.
Expert Recommendations and Prior Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity specialists emphasize that a deep forensic audit is mandatory to ascertain the true origin of the data, verifying whether it genuinely compromises DRDO databases or stems from a third-party source. Industry analysts point out that this is not the first time India's premier defense research wing has faced dark web spotlight. In March of the previous year, a hacker collective named "Babuk Locker 2.0" claimed a security breach targeting DRDO. However, national security officials subsequently clarified that core defense systems remained entirely secure, noting that the files in question were instead accessed from an internet-connected personal system belonging to an IAS officer.
